Instilling DEI into a Law Firm's Identity with Marlon Lutfiyya - Episode 146
Kathryn and Marlon Lutfiyya, Director of Talent and Diversity at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, discuss the advancements in legal research and the importance of DEI integration in law firms. Marlon highlights the benefits of joining a mid-sized firm like his, providing associates opportunities to work closely with senior partners and advance at their own pace using a competency-based system. He also stresses the importance of a firm's commitment to individual development and DEI initiatives when choosing the right firm for junior associates.
Who is The Guest?
Marlon Lutfiyya is the Director of Talent & Diversity at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP. In that role, he helps lead and advance the ongoing development and implementation of the firm’s recruiting, professional development and diversity strategies. As a former litigator, Marlon brings strategic and innovative thinking to the areas of recruitment, professional development and diversity & inclusion.
Prior to joining Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, he was the Director of Inclusion & Professional Development at Husch Blackwell LLP. Marlon previously practiced as a litigation attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago and at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in New York. He is an active member of the National Association for Law Placement, the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals, and the Professional Development Consortium. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the ABA’s Law Practice Division and was appointed to the Law Practice Division’s Attorney Well-Being Committee.
Episode Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlon-lutfiyya
https://www.nge.com/
Episode Highlights
- How to integrate DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) into a firm's identity and culture by keeping it top of mind in every aspect of the firm's functions, including recruitment, mentoring, evaluations, and pro bono efforts
- Strategies to implement DEI initiatives in hybrid work environment
- Ensuring DEI efforts remain a priority during potential economic downturns, emphasizing the importance of non-monetary initiatives, and adapting strategies to focus on what can be controlled
- Implementing hybrid work environments with added flexibility by allowing employees to come into the office an average of eight days a month, maintaining connection across practice groups and levels
- Benefits of the inverted pyramid structure
- The competency-based level system that allows associates to progress at their own pace, leading to transparency and individual development within the firm
- Tips for young associates to ask the right questions when joining a firm or looking for a lateral move, focusing on individual development, firm culture, and commitment to DEI
- Importance of understanding the individual experiences at a particular firm and evaluating the commitment of supervising attorneys to the career trajectories of junior associates
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus
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